Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which film is credited with initiating the modern horror movie genre?
Which film is credited with initiating the modern horror movie genre?
- Le Manoir du Diable (The House of the Devil) (correct)
- The Shining
- Scream
- The Purge
What psychological concept, as defined by Aristotle, describes the release of strong, suppressed emotions, often experienced while watching horror?
What psychological concept, as defined by Aristotle, describes the release of strong, suppressed emotions, often experienced while watching horror?
- Catharsis (correct)
- Transference
- Arousal
- Suppression
According to the arousal theory proposed by Henry Murray, what motivates individuals regarding horror entertainment?
According to the arousal theory proposed by Henry Murray, what motivates individuals regarding horror entertainment?
- The seeking of community and shared experiences.
- The desire to confront personal traumas directly.
- The need to experience extreme fright and anxiety.
- The pursuit of an optimal level of stimulation or excitement. (correct)
What neurological response is activated in the body when faced with a perceived threat, leading to feelings of fear?
What neurological response is activated in the body when faced with a perceived threat, leading to feelings of fear?
According to Zillmann's excitation transfer theory, the enjoyment of horror films is derived from what?
According to Zillmann's excitation transfer theory, the enjoyment of horror films is derived from what?
What potential benefit do horror movies offer to individuals undergoing treatment for anxiety disorders or OCD, as suggested by Marnie Vinall?
What potential benefit do horror movies offer to individuals undergoing treatment for anxiety disorders or OCD, as suggested by Marnie Vinall?
What negative impact can violent media have on children, based on Dr. Barbara Wilson's research?
What negative impact can violent media have on children, based on Dr. Barbara Wilson's research?
What is emphasized as crucial regarding research on the horror genre and its effects?
What is emphasized as crucial regarding research on the horror genre and its effects?
What emotional experience is heightened when watching horror movies in a group setting?
What emotional experience is heightened when watching horror movies in a group setting?
What correlation has research shown regarding empathy and the ability to handle horror movies?
What correlation has research shown regarding empathy and the ability to handle horror movies?
What hormones are released by the sympathetic nervous system in response to a perceived threat, contributing to the 'fight or flight' response?
What hormones are released by the sympathetic nervous system in response to a perceived threat, contributing to the 'fight or flight' response?
How does the viewing of horror movies contribute to social bonding?
How does the viewing of horror movies contribute to social bonding?
What does the author suggest regarding the continuous enjoyment of the horror genre?
What does the author suggest regarding the continuous enjoyment of the horror genre?
Why might some critics find it contradictory to critique the same aspects of horror films that also make them beneficial?
Why might some critics find it contradictory to critique the same aspects of horror films that also make them beneficial?
What should be considered for healthy childhood growth and development regarding media viewing?
What should be considered for healthy childhood growth and development regarding media viewing?
What is the significance of the single rose left on Alisson Cambier's body by Thierry Jardin?
What is the significance of the single rose left on Alisson Cambier's body by Thierry Jardin?
What does the quote “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” imply regarding the emotional response to horror?
What does the quote “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” imply regarding the emotional response to horror?
How do horror movies provide opportunities to face one’s fears if someone is in treatment for anxiety or OCD?
How do horror movies provide opportunities to face one’s fears if someone is in treatment for anxiety or OCD?
When does the parasympathetic nervous system become active in the context of watching a horror movie?
When does the parasympathetic nervous system become active in the context of watching a horror movie?
What is the backward ideology proved by the study of the human mind?
What is the backward ideology proved by the study of the human mind?
Flashcards
Fear
Fear
A natural and primitive emotion experienced by everyone, triggering the 'fight or flight' response.
Sympathetic Nervous System
Sympathetic Nervous System
Part of the autonomic nervous system that activates in response to a threat, causing hormone release.
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
Hormones released during activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Catharsis
Catharsis
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Zillmann's Excitation Transfer Theory
Zillmann's Excitation Transfer Theory
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Shared Fear
Shared Fear
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Media and Children's Aggression
Media and Children's Aggression
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Study Notes
Psychological Desire for Horror
- Society has had a taste for the grotesque long before the 21st century and "pop culture."
- Le Manoir du Diable (1896), or The House of the Devil, introduced horror to viewers.
- Horror films appeal through fear, catharsis, arousal, exposure, connection, and psychological themes.
- Fear is a basic emotion experienced by everyone.
- The body's "fight or flight" response is induced by fear.
- The sympathetic nervous system activates during a threat, releasing hormones.
- Epinephrine and norepinephrine spread through the system.
- Emotional response is subjective, with fear causing pleasure in some and nightmares in others.
Catharsis and Arousal
- Horror provides a release from anxieties.
- Aristotle defined "catharsis" as releasing trapped emotions.
- Tragedy evokes "terror and pity" to achieve catharsis.
- Horror assists a therapeutic journey by releasing emotions following violence and fright.
- Facing fear leads to relaxation and satisfaction as the parasympathetic nervous system calms the body.
- Henry Murray's arousal theory discusses human motivation based on arousal level.
- Zillmann's excitation transfer theory suggests horror enjoyment comes from suspense.
- Critics point to adverse effects of horror on sleep, anxiety, and mental health.
- Marnie Vinall suggests horror movies help those with anxiety disorders or OCD face fears and build confidence.
- Facing traumas through induced fear can be beneficial.
Effects of Horror Media
- Some claim that the horror genre has positive influences, while others disagree.
- Thierry Jardin, in 2001, identified with a villain, stabbed his neighbor Alisson Cambier 30 times, and claimed the movie Scream inspired him.
- Movies do not create psychos, movies make psychos more creative
- Instead of horror enjoyment, twisted media can cause psychos to evolve much younger.
- Violent TV and video games contribute to children's aggression.
- Limiting violent media is essential for healthy childhood development.
- Shared fear when watching horror with others can be intimate and communal.
- Watching horror movies together creates bonding and helps cope with real-life fears.
- More empathetic individuals are less likely to handle horror movies.
- Horror movies can foster connection, release emotions, and have therapeutic value.
- Research on horror's effects on mental health, especially for youth, is vital.
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